Series: What Does God Want?
Sermon: Live Connected
Two are better than one because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! -Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
God has created you for relationship...with Him and with others. While Week 1 focused on your pursuit of God, this week's emphasis is on your pursuit of others. As you reflect on your God-given need for relationship this week, consider 3 benefits you'll experience if you choose to live connected.
• You'll encourage and bless others (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
Name someone you intentionally chose to live connected to in days past. In what ways were you personally encouraged and blessed as a result of that relationship?
Just as that person encouraged and blessed your life, with whom are you currently seeking to do the same? Identify one or two specific ways you could encourage and bless him/her this week.
• You'll walk securely as others watch over your life (Prov 27:17)
Does anyone have access to your life for the express purpose of keeping you on track with God? What potential dangers could you avoid...potential commitments could you keep...by choosing to allow someone into your private world?
• You'll fulfill the mission of God (Matthew 5:14; 28:19)
In your sphere of influence (i.e. work, school, neighborhood, family, etc.), is there anyone outside the faith with whom you're intentionally doing life with for the sake of Christ's mission? What step would you be willing to take either to initiate or to prioritize that type of relationship for His sake?
Note: If you find yourself struggling to identify others with whom you are connected to in the ways listed above, start by 1) asking God to cross your path with one person from each of the above types of relationships...and 2) be the person to others that you want them to be to you. As you begin investing your life into the lives of those around you, you may be surprised at the relationships that God will begin to develop in your life, and the blessings that will emerge as a result.
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